Good business etiquette allows your business to put its best foot forward and can protect business owners and employees from internal and external conflicts by setting a high standard for behavior by all. Business etiquette is a set of standards for behavior in which individuals treat everyone respectfully and display good manners in all interactions. Proper etiquette sets a tone for clients and customers that the business has a productive and successful environment, and the impression created when everyone displays professional manners helps the company's profitability.

Builds Strong Relationships

Professional behavior helps build strong relationships among management, staff and clients because proper etiquette entails honest and fair dealings with everyone. People appreciate honesty in their business dealings. If a manager is honest with a client about a mistake he made instead of trying to cover it up, the client is likely to feel respected and will trust the mananger and the business in the future. According to EE Compendium, people like others who have good manners and are more likely to buy from those they like than those they do not. Loyalty to a business is generated through the solid relations developed by consistent professionalism and integrity shown by all company employees. Business owners should demand good etiquette from their employees and should model this themselves.

Promotes Positive Atmosphere

A good working environment is fostered by good business etiquette. When management and workers treat one another with the respect and sensitivity dictated by good business manners, it creates a positive working atmosphere. For instance, when the staff takes the time to express gratitude to fellow workers for their work efforts, it makes for a more congenial workplace. When employees feel comfortable, they are likely to be more productive, work better as teammates and maintain upbeat attitudes that help sell their products or services. Good etiquette should be stressed throughout the entire company as, according to CBM Training, a single person on staff displaying a lack of etiquette can ruin the working environment for everyone.

Reflects Confidence

Fine business etiquette reflects confidence because the individual is seen as someone who is together and knows what to say and how to say it. A worker dealing with an upset customer, for example, can take the customer to a private office or space, listen attentively to the concerns and speak calmly and respectfully to the client so the client relaxes and responds well to the confident worker who used business etiquette to successfully handle the situation. A confident approach helps the company's marketability. Customers feel more secure dealing with a manager or other staff member who displays exceptional business manners. Confidence also boosts the morale of workers who feel they can accomplish more and react positively to change.

Prevents Misunderstandings

Taking business etiquette seriously in your company will help prevent misunderstandings because proper etiquette requires everyone to interact professionally with one another and to communicate clearly and honestly. For example, managers who always speak on a professional level with employees need not fear making inappropriate remarks as they guard against casual types of interactions. Those in management who allow non-business-like joking or teasing can find themselves in hot water should employees feel they are being harassed.